Gentle cleansers are specially formulated to provide hydration and relief for dry and sensitive skin types. Cream and lotion cleansers are most effective on dry and sensitive skin. Those with combination and oily skin types should opt for lightweight gel-based cleansers.
To reduce oil, shine, and prevent breakouts, look for a face cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid as these clear out and remove excess oil from your pores. Tea tree oil is also a natural ingredient that dissolves oils and kills bacteria.
“Cream cleansers tend to be gentler and more hydrating than other cleansers, making them ideal for dry or sensitive skin types,” explains Dr. Sobel.
Skin purging is a process that happens when certain skincare ingredients increase skin cell turnover. This encourages shedding of old, dead cells and growth of new, healthy ones. Unfortunately, this process often makes the skin look worse before it looks better.
First, introduce one product at a time. This way, you'll be able to see what each product is doing for skin. Isolate each new addition by waiting a month between introducing anything else. Also, before you use a product all over your face or body, make sure to patch test it first to identify if your skin is compatible.
Overall, there is no clear winner. It just depends on the needs of your own skin. If you experience dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin then CeraVe might be the clear choice. However, if you experience sensitive skin the Cetaphil is the better option.
Gently pat a blotting paper on the different areas of your face. Hold the sheet up to the light to determine how much oil is visible. If the sheet picked up little to no oil, you most likely have dry skin. If the blotting sheet reveals oil from the forehead and nose areas, your skin is combination.
Examples of mild, gentle soaps include Dove® sensitive skin bar, Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion®, Aveenobar®, Purpose Soap®, Basis®, and Oil of Olay Cleansing bar®. Highly fragranced soap and antibacterial soaps are the most irritating and should be avoided.